India go down to Australia in AFC U17 Group D clash

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: The India U17 men’s national team lost 0-4 to Australia in their opening AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Group D encounter at the King Abdullah Sports City Pitch C on Wednesday.

Australia’s high pressing game set the tone early, as Luke Becvinovski (4’) opened the scoring, before Max Court (29’) doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Second-half goals from Luka Demuth (74’) and Henrique Oliveira (86’) sealed the result for the Australians.

Australia started on the front foot, not allowing the Blue Colts time to settle. In the fourth minute, Archie Mitchell delivered a precise ball from the left into the box, where an unmarked Becvinovski finished with ease to give his side an early lead.

India responded positively and looked to find a way back. A well-worked move in the sixth minute saw midfielder Denny Singh delivers a cross to captain Dallalmuon Gangte, who threaded a clever through ball for Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam. The forward made a surging run into the box but fired into the side netting.

Australia continued to threaten from wide areas, with Henrique Oliveira and Mitchell combining effectively on the left. Max Court came close in the 14th minute with a header, but India goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar produced a fine diving save to keep the deficit at one.

The Blue Colts showed intent in patches, with Azlaan Shah creating openings through his dribbling, while Gangte and Denny Singh combined on the right. However, Australia’s defence held firm and limited clear-cut opportunities.

Australia doubled their lead in the 29th minute after Moosa Ashiq brought down Akeem Gerald inside the box. Court stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty into the bottom corner, despite Rajrup diving the right way.

India continued to push forward, but struggled to find the final ball in the attacking third. At the other end, Rajrup remained alert, producing a crucial save in the 33rd minute, while defenders Shubham Poonia and Korou Meitei Konthoujam made important interventions to keep Australia at bay.

Just before the break, India created a promising move, with Gangte linking up with Washington Singh and Wangkheirakpam, but the Australian defence cleared the danger. India went into half-time trailing 0-2.

The Blue Colts showed greater control after the restart, enjoying more possession and pushing Australia deeper. Denny Singh played a key role in midfield, while Gunleiba continued to impress with his direct running.

India came close in the 58th minute when Gangte fired from an acute angle, but Australia goalkeeper Charlie Wilson-Papps made the save. Moments later, Rajrup rushed off his line to deny a counter-attacking opportunity, keeping India in the contest.

Despite India’s improved display, Australia remained dangerous on the break. Rajrup produced a series of crucial saves, including a sharp block in the 63rd minute and another fine effort five minutes later to deny the Australians.

The Blue Colts had their best chance in the 70th minute, when a flowing move involving Gangte and Denny Singh released Azlaan Shah, whose shot was saved by Wilson-Papps. Substitute Raj Singh Wahengbam reacted to the rebound, but his header went inches wide.

Australia added a third in the 74th minute, when substitute Luka Demuth struck from outside the box after being set up by Oliver O’Carroll, leaving Rajrup with little chance.

India continued to search for a breakthrough, but missed another opportunity in the 79th minute, as Raj Singh’s effort was saved and the rebound went unconverted.

Henrique Oliveira completed the scoring in the 86th minute with a fine run from the right across the edge of the box before finishing to make it 4-0.

Despite the scoreline, the Blue Colts showed resilience and created several opportunities, but were unable to capitalise on the chances.

India will now face Uzbekistan in their final Group D match at the King Abdullah Sports City on Sunday, May 10, 2026, as DPR Korea, who were supposed to be the fourth team in the group, pulled out of the tournament just a few days ago.

India U17: Rajrup Sarkar (Gk), Shubham Poonia, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Moosa Ashiq, Azlaan Shah (Yuvraj Sandeep Kadam 81’), Washington Singh (Raj Singh Wahengbam 46’), Dallalmuon Gangte (C), Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin (Indra Rana Magar 46’), Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Wangkhem Denny Singh (Rahan Ahmed 87’).

Tags : Football, India, Australia, AFC, Asian Cup